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FWC conducts aquatic plant control on Lake Rousseau

Aquatic plant control operations are scheduled for Lake Rousseau during the weeks of Nov. 7 and Nov. 14, weather permitting, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Approximately 60 acres of invasive water lettuce and water hyacinth will be treated throughout the lake. One acre of coontail will be treated at public access points between Peaceful Acres and Bypass Channel.

No hydrilla will be treated during this time period.

Dark tannic-stained water inflows as a result of Hurricane Hermine has naturally controlled about 700 acres of hydrilla, mostly in western portions of Lake Rousseau. Submerged plants like hydrilla need sunlight to survive, but the dark water filters out the sunlight causing hydrilla to die back until the water clears.

Oxygen levels in Lake Rousseau are also much lower as a result of the tannic-stained waters. No related fish kills have been observed and oxygen levels should gradually increase as the water clears over the next month or so.

“There will be no restrictions on recreational activities, such as fishing or swimming, during the treatment period,” said Bruce Jaggers, an FWC invasive plant management biologist. “Any edible fish caught that are legal to keep may be consumed.”

However, there is a seven-day restriction on using water from the treated areas for human or animal consumption. There also is a five-day restriction from using treated water for irrigation of food crops and ornamentals grown in greenhouses or nurseries. No restrictions are necessary for other uses of treated water, such as irrigating turf, ornamental plants and crops.

For more information, contact Bruce Jaggers at 352-726-8622.

FWC Facts:PWC (personal watercraft) liveries must provide on-the-water demonstration and a check-ride to evaluate the proficiency of renters.

Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its 2017 Agency Regulatory Plan.

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